You’ve almost made it through spring, but is your home prepared for summer?
Your home is a complex network of HVAC systems. It’s important to make sure that each and every one of these systems is ready to roll. Before the cooling season begins, it’s essential to follow maintenance tips for air conditioners, such as cleaning or replacing filters and scheduling professional inspections, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Scheduling AC maintenance in the spring can prepare the system for peak summer performance and efficiency. Preparing your AC before the heat of summer sets in is crucial early maintenance helps your system handle rising temperatures and humidity, ensuring comfort and reliable operation during hot weather. We understand everything about plumbing, water heaters, IAQ, and air conditioning in Staten Island, NY. We know that the checklist to make sure your home is in proper shape can be extensive. We’re here to make sure that you don’t overlook something in your blind spot. Is your AC ready for spring? Contact us to get your home in shape.
Is Your Home Ready for Summer? Use This Checklist
Here are a few things you should consider before summer arrives:
Preparing your air conditioning system ahead of the summer months is essential to ensure reliable cooling when temperatures rise, and factoring in the maintenance cost should be part of your seasonal planning. Scheduling AC maintenance can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns on the first hot day of the season. A professional technician performs annual AC service to prevent unexpected breakdowns during hot weather. Regular servicing of your heating and cooling system not only ensures both functions operate efficiently, but also helps reduce energy costs and prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
One of the first things that you think of when it comes to getting your home prepared for summer is the air conditioner. Our Staten Island summers are hot, long, and humid. You need an air conditioner to keep you as cool as possible.
We have a fantastic maintenance program here at our company. If you’d like to have maintenance performed in your home, then we think it’s a great idea to take that next step and enroll in our maintenance plan.
Regular maintenance should include both your air conditioning and heating systems for optimal year-round performance. Scheduling a tune-up helps in keeping the warranty intact for an air conditioning unit. It’s time to maintain your AC. Maintenance is what’s responsible for keeping your home cool, efficient, and your HVAC system long-lasting. Don’t skip it!
Routine maintenance, including annual AC maintenance, regular AC maintenance, and scheduled tune-ups, is essential for optimal system performance. These services should be performed by a professional technician or HVAC professionals to ensure thorough inspections and reliable results. Comprehensive AC service and HVAC maintenance include cleaning and inspecting key components such as the blower motor, condenser coil, and refrigerant lines, as well as checking for any refrigerant leak, and should cover both the air conditioning and heating system components. Airborne dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coil, restricting airflow and affecting performance. Having your air conditioner serviced by professionals not only helps prevent costly repairs but also improves energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of your system. The typical AC maintenance cost is a worthwhile investment, as it can help you avoid expensive breakdowns and reduce your overall energy expenses.
2. Don’t Overlook Air Filter Maintenance
When it comes to air conditioner maintenance, one of the most important and often overlooked tasks is regular air filter maintenance. The air filter is a key component of your air conditioning system, responsible for trapping dust, pollen, and other particles to keep your indoor air quality high and your system running efficiently. If the air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder just to keep your home cool. This not only reduces energy efficiency and increases your energy bills, but it can also lead to system malfunctions and costly repairs down the line.
To keep your air conditioning system in top shape throughout the cooling season, make it a habit to check your air filter every 1-3 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Some air filters are washable and can be reused after cleaning, while others need to be replaced entirely. Whichever type you have, keeping the filter clean is a simple yet highly effective way to maintain proper airflow, boost energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
Proper air filter maintenance also helps prevent water damage. A clogged filter can cause the air conditioner’s condensate drain to become blocked, leading to leaks and potential water damage in your home. By ensuring your air filter is clean and correctly installed, you reduce the risk of these issues and keep your system running smoothly.
If you’re unsure about the right type of filter for your system or how to install it properly, don’t hesitate to consult a licensed HVAC professional. An experienced hvac technician can provide expert guidance, recommend the best filters for your needs, and even handle regular maintenance as part of your annual ac service.
Prioritizing air filter maintenance is one of the easiest ways to save money on energy bills, avoid unexpected repairs, and enjoy a comfortable, healthy home all summer long. By following these air conditioner maintenance tips and scheduling regular check-ups with a professional, you’ll ensure your air conditioning system delivers cool air efficiently and reliably no matter how hot it gets outside.
3. Consider Upgrading the AC System
There comes a time where you’re going to need to upgrade your air conditioner. An air conditioner can last about 10 to 15 years. Homeowners may want to consider upgrading to central AC systems for improved airflow and efficiency. If your system is on its last leg, you should have a plan for an upgrade when the air conditioner reaches the 10-year mark. Upgrades don’t need to be difficult or too extensive.
4. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Your home’s indoor air quality also has a lot of the responsibility for keeping you cool. You can come to us for the following:
- Duct testing
- Duct sealing
- Air filters (including filter, HVAC filter, and air filter options that trap dust and other particles to improve air quality)
- Air purifiers
- Humidifiers
- Dehumidifiers
- ERV systems
- HRV systems
If you’re not sure what system you need for your home, we’re here to help you make the decision. Regularly changing your HVAC filter and air filter helps maintain indoor air quality by capturing dust, dander, and other particles. Your indoor air quality is important for your home’s efficiency and your health. Don’t discount it.
5. Don’t Forget Your Water Heater
We know that primetime for your water heater is typically winter. Who would want to take a cold shower during a New York winter after all? Your water heater is still important in summer. Summer weather can exacerbate your current water heater problems. If you notice issues, we can help you get past them as soon as possible.
6. Make Sure Your Plumbing Is Ready
Your plumbing system needs maintenance as well. You can schedule an appointment with us for plumbing maintenance. If you want to take some measures to protect your home, just invest in a few drain strainers. Putting one of these over the drain in the bathroom and one in the kitchen will help you prevent debris from entering the drains. You don’t want your plumbing to take a nosedive during the summer season. The warm weather will only exacerbate the stench that’s often associated with plumbing problems.
7. Decide: DIY or Professional Maintenance?
When it comes to keeping your air conditioner in top shape for the summer, you’ll need to decide whether to tackle air conditioner maintenance yourself or call in a professional HVAC technician. Both options have their advantages, and understanding the difference can help you keep your air conditioning system running efficiently, maintain good air quality, and avoid unexpected system malfunctions.
DIY Maintenance
There are several air conditioner maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle on their own to keep the system running smoothly:
- Changing air filters: Replacing air filters every 1-3 months is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain proper airflow and improve indoor air quality. Clean filters help your AC unit work efficiently and can even reduce energy costs.
- Clearing debris from the outdoor unit: Regularly removing leaves, dirt, and other debris from around the outdoor unit, including the condenser coils and coil fins, helps prevent airflow restrictions and keeps your system operating efficiently.
- Inspecting window AC units for gaps and seals: For window air conditioners, check for gaps between the unit and the window frame, and inspect window seals for any leaks. Sealing these gaps and ensuring the window seals are intact prevents warm air from entering, improves cooling efficiency, and helps your AC work more effectively.
- Checking thermostat settings: Making sure your thermostat is set properly ensures your home stays at the desired temperature without wasting energy. The thermostat should be set properly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the air conditioning system and to maintain comfort.
While these tasks are straightforward, it’s important to recognize the limits of DIY maintenance. More complex jobs like checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, or addressing refrigerant leaks require specialized knowledge and tools. Attempting these without proper training can lead to safety risks, system damage, or costly repairs.
Professional Maintenance
For more thorough care, scheduling professional AC maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician is a smart investment. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Professional HVAC technicians are trained to handle complex maintenance tasks, such as deep cleaning the indoor evaporator coil, inspecting electrical components, and checking refrigerant levels.
- Safety: Handling refrigerants and electrical systems can be hazardous. Professionals have the right equipment and know-how to perform these tasks safely and efficiently.
- Preventative care: Regular maintenance by a professional can catch small issues before they turn into major system malfunctions, helping you avoid expensive repairs and keeping your cooling system in good shape.
- Warranty protection: Many air conditioner manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to keep your warranty valid, protecting your investment in the long run.
The cost of professional AC maintenance varies, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for a routine tune up. While this is an added expense, it can save money by improving energy efficiency, reducing the risk of breakdowns, and extending the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
Conclusion
Deciding between DIY and professional AC maintenance comes down to your comfort level, the complexity of the task, and your budget. Simple jobs like changing air filters and clearing debris can be done at home, but for more involved maintenance, it’s best to rely on a licensed HVAC professional. Regular maintenance whether DIY or professional ensures your air conditioner delivers cool air efficiently all summer long, helps maintain air quality, and keeps your system running at peak performance. By staying proactive, you’ll enjoy a comfortable home and potentially lower energy bills throughout the hottest months of the year.
